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PaperComm

Ruisi Ni

Profile picture of Ruisi Ni

I am a designer driven by curiosity and empathy, working at the intersection of technology, art, and human experience. My approach blends poetic sensitivity with system-level thinking, often exploring alternative interfaces and minimal interaction models that challenge conventional norms. My work is grounded in critical reflection, yet always oriented toward clarity, meaningful connection, and future-forward innovation.

I am a designer driven by curiosity and empathy, working at the intersection of technology, art, ...

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In a fast-paced world where people are constantly surrounded by an overload of messages, PaperComm offers a slower, more mindful way to communicate. Designed to be both ceremonial and smart, it provides a seamless yet considered alternative to instant messaging. The project responds to the widespread issues of attention fatigue and information excess, while exploring more human-centred and borderless forms of communication.

Final work

This photograph shows a compact, white communication device placed among dense green foliage.
This photograph shows the summariser, which allows users to condence messages into various formats.

The summariser

One of the key features is the summariser, which allows you to condense your messages into various formats. You can choose the one that best fits your purpose—whether it’s for reflection, record-keeping, or sharing.

This photograph shows how to respond others using key information elements and attitude. With assistance from AI, the device could generate responds.

The responder

By exploring non-verbal forms of communication, The Responder features two rows of six reply buttons, designed around human attitudes and the core elements of information. The top row relates to attitude — positive, negative, and contextual. The bottom row focuses on information — event, people, and emotion. Depending on the situation, users can organise their responses using individual buttons or combinations thereof. A specially trained AI then assists by generating a selection of reply options for the user to choose from.

  • Side view of the device with a protective cover.
  • This photograph shows how to put on the cover.
  • This photograph shows how to use the side dials to adjust paper spools.

Research and process

  • This photograph shows my experiments with a typewriter.
  • This photograph shows the relationship between human and technology.
  • This photograph shows the product feature structure.
  • Work-in-progress prototype
  • Work-in-progress prototype
  • Work in progress.

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PaperComm

In a fast-paced world where people are constantly surrounded by an overload of messages, PaperComm offers a slower, more mindful way to communicate. Designed to be both ceremonial and smart, it provides a seamless yet co...

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